By Sabiu Abdullahi
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Sector 2, have neutralised no fewer than 24 terrorists following a fierce encounter during an attack on Kukareta area.
The military disclosed that the engagement followed a “determined terrorist attack on Kukareta location” in the early hours of Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack began shortly after midnight and continued until about 03:00 hours. He noted that troops responded immediately with what he described as a coordinated counter-operation that forced the attackers into retreat.
The statement read: the troops “executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action, effectively containing the assault and forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal.”
It added that the troops inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, confirming that “24 terrorists neutralised so far.”
Following the encounter, troops recovered a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition during ongoing clearance operations. The items include “18 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 2 PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, 3 RPG tubes, 2 mortar tubes, 4 hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.”
The statement also confirmed that two soldiers sustained injuries during the battle and have since received medical attention. It further disclosed that an armoured tank deployed for reinforcement suffered damage after its tyres were destroyed during the confrontation.
It stated that troops have continued to track the withdrawal routes of the fleeing terrorists, where blood trails and abandoned medical supplies were discovered.
The military described the operation as a demonstration of combat strength and preparedness, adding that it reflects the troops’ capacity to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement.
It further assured that operations will continue with sustained pressure aimed at clearing remaining terrorist elements within the theatre of operations.
